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MONTREAL—The 25,000th Syrian refugee landed in Canada Saturday night marking the end of the first phase of the Liberals’ massive resettlement program.

They were part of a planeload of refugees who touched down in Montreal.

Sam Jaroudi, right, a civilian RCMP staff member, says it's important for refugees not to fear officers, but to see them as their "neighbours, hockey coach (or) soccer coach." (Adrian Wyld / THE CANADIAN PRESS)

In the coming days, the group will spread to eight different provinces joining those who’ve arrived in Canada since the Liberals launched their Syrian refugee plan in November.

The Liberals had first made a commitment to resettle that many Syrian refugees in Canada almost a year ago while in opposition.

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